Lighting Regulations in Johnstown, Ohio: Preserving Historical Character with Modern Illumination Standards

Introduction

Established in 1810 by Dr. Oliver Bigelow, Johnstown, Ohio carries a rich historical legacy within its 2.91 square mile boundaries. The town's layout, with streets, alleys, and the town square donated by Dr. Bigelow himself, creates a foundational structure that reflects its deep historical roots.

The discovery of a nearly complete mastodon skeleton in 1926 (now housed in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History) further highlights the area's significance. This historical character and small-town charm are carefully preserved through thoughtful regulations, including those governing exterior lighting.

Johnstown's lighting regulations reflect a community that values both its historical identity and the practical needs of a modern municipality. These standards help maintain the town's unique aesthetic while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors alike.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Street Lighting Requirements:

• Street lights must be spaced between 160-240 feet apart
• Underground energy lines required in new developments
• Professional engineering design required
• Village maintains installed street lighting

Property & Exterior Lighting:

• Full cut-off fixtures required for all exterior lighting
• No uplighting permitted (except for building/sign accent lighting)
• Maximum height for exterior fixtures: 20 feet
• Light fixtures must direct illumination downward
• Light poles must be metal, fiberglass, or finished wood

Light Trespass Limitations:

• Residential boundaries: Maximum 0.4 footcandles horizontal at grade
• Commercial/Industrial boundaries: Maximum 2.0 footcandles horizontal
• Light measurements taken at 3.5 feet above ground

Sign Illumination:

• Internal illumination generally prohibited with specific exceptions
• Neon signs prohibited (except "OPEN" signs under 3 square feet)
• No exposed LED or tube-type lighting permitted

Street Lighting Standards

Design & Installation Requirements

Street lighting in Johnstown must be designed by a registered professional engineer licensed in Ohio. The village has established specific standards that guide the placement and specifications of street lights throughout the community.

For new developments, all energy lines leading to light standards must be installed underground, helping to maintain the town's aesthetic appeal while providing necessary illumination.

Spacing & Documentation

Street lights must be thoughtfully placed with spacing requirements that ensure adequate illumination without excessive light pollution:

• Minimum spacing: 160 feet between lights
• Maximum spacing: 240 feet between lights

Developers must submit detailed documentation, including two drawings of the street lighting layout, to the electric energy supplier. The village maintains specification sheets for street light standards, luminaries, mercury vapor lamps, and pedestal termination points at the Manager's office.

Maintenance & Responsibility

Once properly installed and accepted, the Village of Johnstown assumes responsibility for securing energy and maintaining street lighting installations. This ensures consistent quality and operation of public lighting throughout the community.

Importantly, contractors or developers who damage the distribution system of an electric energy supplier during installation are liable for such damages and any resulting costs.

Property & Exterior Lighting

Fixture Requirements

Johnstown's regulations for property lighting focus on minimizing light trespass while providing adequate illumination:

• All exterior fixtures must be full cut-off fixtures
• Light must be directed downward
• No portion of lamp, reflector, lens, or refracting system may extend beyond housing or shield
• Uplighting is prohibited, with limited exceptions for accent lighting

Construction & Height Limitations

Property lighting installations must meet specific construction standards:

• Light poles must be constructed of metal, fiberglass, or finished wood
• Maximum height of exterior lighting fixtures: 20 feet from finished grade
• Fixtures must be placed at least 15 feet from the measurement point

Uniformity & Exemptions

For consistent illumination, Johnstown regulations specify light uniformity ratios:

• For individual luminaries: maximum to minimum ratio of 10:1
• For all luminaires on a site: average to minimum ratio of 4:1

Residential properties receive certain exemptions when exterior lights have an initial lumen output not exceeding 2850 lumens (equivalent to a 150-watt incandescent lamp).

Light Trespass Prevention

Maximum Illumination Levels

To prevent nuisance lighting affecting neighboring properties, Johnstown strictly limits light trespass. Maximum illumination levels at property boundaries are:

Residential Properties:

• Horizontal illumination at grade: 0.4 footcandles
• Vertical illumination at structure height: 0.8 footcandles

Office, Business, and Industrial Properties:

• Horizontal illumination at grade: 2.0 footcandles
• Vertical illumination at structure height: 2.0 footcandles

When properties with different classifications share a boundary, the lower light level takes precedence along the common boundary.

Measurement Standards

Light levels are measured according to specific protocols:

• Using a direct-reading, portable light meter
• Taken at 3.5 feet above ground
• Measurements taken only after the meter cell has been exposed long enough for a constant reading

Parking & Special Area Lighting

Parking Areas

Parking areas intended for use during non-daylight hours must be properly illuminated for safety. However, all lights must be arranged to direct illumination away from adjoining properties.

Access Ways & Walkways

All access roadways must be illuminated, with special attention to intersections, which require individual illumination. In AR-zoned districts, walkways must be illuminated, with potentially hazardous locations such as steps receiving individual illumination.

Model Homes

Model homes have specific lighting requirements:

• All exterior lighting must use downlighting
• Off-street parking areas must be illuminated
• Exterior lighting must be extinguished at closing time, except lighting that matches the character of surrounding homes

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Prohibitions

Johnstown maintains strict control over illuminated signage:

• Neon signs are generally prohibited (except "OPEN" signs under 3 square feet)
• Internal illumination of signs is generally prohibited unless specifically permitted
• No exposed neon, neon look-alike, LED, or tube-type lighting is permitted
• Signs with flashing, moving, rotating, or flickering lights are prohibited

Permitted Exceptions

Certain sign types have specific illumination allowances:

• Electronic scrolling marquees: permitted with maximum letter height of 6 inches
• Monument signs: internal illumination is permitted
• Wall signs: internal illumination is prohibited

Supporting Johnstown's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands and appreciates Johnstown's commitment to preserving its historical character while embracing appropriate modern lighting technology.

As a regional partner, Bock Lighting shares Johnstown's values of balancing historical preservation with modern functionality. Our deep understanding of Ohio's architectural traditions and lighting needs positions us as a knowledgeable resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

We recognize the importance of maintaining Johnstown's small-town charm and historic appeal through thoughtful lighting design that complies with local regulations. Our experience with projects that respect community character makes us a valuable partner in implementing lighting that enhances rather than detracts from Johnstown's unique aesthetic.

Our commitment extends beyond products to education and community support, helping property owners understand how lighting choices impact both compliance and community character.

Conclusion

Johnstown's lighting regulations reflect a community that values its historical heritage while ensuring public safety and convenience. By establishing clear standards for street lighting, property illumination, and sign lighting, the village maintains its distinctive character while providing modern lighting functionality.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations before making lighting changes or installations, particularly regarding fixture types, light direction, and potential light trespass.

Through thoughtful compliance with these standards, residents and businesses contribute to preserving Johnstown's unique small-town atmosphere and historical significance for future generations.